Machine Tool Interference Detection via Dynamic Workpiece Model Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interference judgment systems for machine tools are inefficient and imprecise due to the need for manual input of workpiece dimensions, positions, and postures, which vary significantly, leading to trouble and time consumption in accurately checking for interferences between components during operation.

Innovation Solution

An interference judgment method and system that involves setting a machine tool model by combining shape models of components, measuring the actual workpiece position and posture, correcting the model accordingly, and using the corrected model to judge the presence of interference between components, thereby eliminating the need for manual input and improving precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual input of workpiece dimensions, positions, and postures is used for interference checking, then the interference judgment can be executed, but the process becomes time-consuming and troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference judgment accuracyVSAvoidmodeling data input time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece measuring device automatically measures the actual workpiece and generates modeling data without manual intervention. The system self-services by capturing workpiece dimensions, positions, and postures directly from the mounted workpiece, eliminating the need for operators to manually input这些数据.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical input process with an automated optical/measuring system. The workpiece measuring device uses measurement technology (such as laser or optical sensors) to automatically acquire workpiece data, substituting the manual mechanical data entry process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If assumed predetermined dimensions are used for workpiece modeling, then the setup process is simplified, but the interference judgment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodeling setup easeVSAvoidinterference judgment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device automatically adapts to each specific workpiece by performing actual measurements, allowing the system to maintain ease of operation while achieving high precision. The device self-adjusts the modeling data based on actual workpiece characteristics without requiring manual recalibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static predetermined dimensions to dynamic actual measurements. The modeling data is no longer fixed but dynamically adjusted based on the actual measured dimensions, positions, and postures of each workpiece, enabling both ease of operation and high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If actual workpiece measurements are taken for each interference check, then the judgment precision is improved, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference judgment precisionVSAvoidmeasurement and modeling process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the workpiece measuring function and the interference checking function into an integrated system. The measuring device and control unit work together as a unified system that automatically performs both measurement and interference analysis, reducing overall process complexity despite the added measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary measurement of the workpiece before the interference checking process. By capturing the workpiece dimensions, positions, and postures in advance, the system prepares accurate modeling data that simplifies the subsequent interference judgment process rather than complicating it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2839925B1Interference determination method and interference determination device for machine tool
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 MAKINO MILLING MASCH CO LTD
  • EP2839925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2839925B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2839925B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An interference determination method for machine tools which determines whether or not there will be interference between elements that move relative to each other, the method including: a setting procedure for setting a machine tool model (MA) obtained by combining the shape model (M) of each of the elements including a work model (M1) corresponding to the work (W); a measurement procedure for measuring the position of the work (W) attached to the work attachment part (4); a correction procedure for acquiring, at a predetermined timing, the position of the work (W) measured in the measurement procedure, and correcting the machine tool model (MA) set in the setting procedure; and a determination procedure for determining whether or not there will be interference between the elements on the basis of the machine tool model (MA') corrected in the correction procedure.